THE discovery of images of a group of boys posing with a replica gun have sparked a full-scale police investigation.

Five addresses in Ellesmere Port were targeted by firearms-trained officers after a mobile phone seized by police as part of a separate enquiry revealed the images of the boys posing for the camera with what appears to be an automatic weapon.

Support Superintendent Paul McHugh revealed the raids came on Tuesday of last week.

He said: 'Arrests have been made following the discovery of the images. It shows just how seriously we are taking this issue.

'As soon as the images were discovered we began investigating.

'I hope this serves as a warning to others. If we suspect you of being involved in weapons-related offences, you will have dealings with us.'

Police investigations will continue into claims the replica weapon has been destroyed.

Supt McHugh added: 'These types of enquiries are pretty rare but we are fully equipped to deal with them and members of the public can rest assured we are taking this issue seriously.

'I don't believe this is a problem which poses a risk to the public. This is more a case of young people fooling around.

'It is important, however, to point out that it can be difficult to tell the difference between a real and fake weapon, even for trained firearms of ficers.

'And if we receive reports of a firearm, the officers who respond are armed firearms experts.

'People who possess real or imitation weapons illegally should think carefully about this.'

Five teenage boys, all from the Port, were arrested as part of the investigation.

Boys aged 14 and 16 have been charged with possession of an imitation firearm and are due to appear at Chester Youth Court tomorrow afternoon.

Two 15 year olds and a 13 year old have been referred to the Youth Offending Team for consideration of their sentence.